Refugees hope Ghana support can ease xenophobia

CAPE TOWN, July 2 (Reuters Life!) - An 18-year-old
Zimbabwean who runs a football team of African refugees
campaigning against xenophobia says wide support for Ghana as
the continent's last World Cup hope could help ease tensions.

Migrants from other African countries who settle in South
Africa often face hostility from locals, who accuse them of
stealing jobs and services.

Ephraim Ntlamo, who came to South Africa in 2008, set up a
football team of refugees from Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Burundi, Rwanda and Mozambique.

The team plays matches in townships where foreigners have
been attacked within the last two years, and watches World Cup
games with locals to foster more understanding.

"People don't have a clear idea of how other African
countries are but now because of Ghana's performance in the
World Cup they will want to explore what Ghana is about, and
what Africa is all about," Ntlamo said, speaking at a football
match at Du Noon township outside Cape Town.

"By this, they will get to understand that we are no
different, we are just the same," he added.

Du Noon township was at the centre of xenophobic attacks in
the Western Cape in 2008. There have been constant police
patrols and, more recently, the military was deployed.

But street vendors have been selling large numbers of flags
and scarves as South Africans rush to support Ghana as the one
remaining African team of the six to originally qualify.
Continued...